It sounds crazy to say that singleness is a blessing, especially to those who are single. Especially when it seems like everyone is pairing off or getting married except you. There is a lot of peer pressure, and self-imposed pressure, to find someone.
So, why call it a blessing? I was recently in a prayer meeting at my church and, just having finished Don Whitney’s “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life,” prayer was very much on my mind. I had let my discipline go as I prepared for some major personal events. I was convicted through my entire reading of the book. At any rate, during that prayer meeting, I realized something. I know a lot of people’s burdens, including my own, yet I don’t write them down and end up forgetting them. Much like a shopping list: If I don’t write it down, I forget.
During that time, there were three specific disciplines that I had let go: Bible memory, Bible study, and prayer. The culprit? Sloth.
Why was sloth the overarching sin?
I would get up late and have to rush around in the morning, not spending time in my Bible and focusing on the Lord. I would speed through my Bible reading and check the task off my list, then skip to the next thing. I skipped memory work and was inconsistent with my extra reading because I didn’t allow myself enough time. Also, because I got up late, I was often sluggish for the rest of the day. I didn’t apply myself to getting done the things I needed to. Instead, I gave myself an excuse. Became slothful.
What does this have to do with singleness?
The truth is, I have all the time I want if I will take it. As a single woman, I have more time to spend doing things like cleaning, laundry, and music. I also have time to devote to learning about God and the disciplines (If you haven’t read Whitney’s book, I highly recommend it. You can find a link on the Resources page). I have time to memorize Scripture, even though I’m slow at it. I have time to get up early and pray for those I know. I have time to read a chapter of a spiritual growth book or study a passage of Scripture.
Do you lack motivation?
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29
Are you His? Use the time you are given to live fully alive for Christ, establishing habits and disciplines that will grow you in Christ. As a single person, you get to choose who and what monopolizes you time. Your hardest job is to use it wisely.
Abrigail Julian: 